Golfers Finish 13th Sunday At Mason Rudolph Championship

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FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Rice sophomore Joe Beck III shot a one-under par 70 in the final round to post the first Top 20 finish of his collegiate career Sunday afternoon at the prestigious Mason Rudolph Championship in Franklin, Tenn.

After an opening with a 77 for the first 18 holes on Friday, Beck III charged back with consecutive rounds of 70 on both Saturday and Sunday to finish the 54-hole event at four-over par 217. The Austin, Tex., native played the final 33 holes of the event at four-under par for some of the steadiest golf of his collegiate career. He tied for 20th overall in an individual field of 84 entrants.

As a team the Owls shot an 18-over par 302 Sunday at the 7100-yard Legends South Golf Course. Rice placed 13th in the final team standings with a stroke total of 888, 41 shots off tournament host Vanderbilt's winning 54-hole score of five-under par 847.

"It was a tough day for us, but I am really proud of Joe's final two rounds," said Rice head coach Justin Emil. "He got a top 20 in a very strong field."

Also for Rice, freshman James Lee shot a three-over 74 Sunday for a three-round total of 225 (+12). Junior Landon Michelson tied for 52nd overall with a 54-hole total of 224 (+11). Senior Brock Wilson finished with a 232 (tied 77th, +19) and sophomore Tommy Economou had a 239 (tied 80th, +26). The Owls' highlight was a team score of three-over par 287 in Saturday's second round. Coach Emil said the team can take the positives from Saturday where the team was stride-for-stride with a host of nationally ranked opponents.

"As a team round two was pretty special, so we'll build on that leading into Louisiana Tech's tournament at Squire Creek a week from Monday (Oct. 1)," coach Emil said. "This is always a tremendous tournament. It was a great experience for the Owls."